2023 Mazda MX-5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2023 Mazda MX-5 has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is transmission problems (50% of all complaints), specifically: mazda miata model years 2022-2024 with manual 6sp transmission are experiencing a large number of failures at low mileage. some owners are reporting 2 failed transmissions at less than 10,000 miles. 3rd and 4th great become unusable without warning, increasing the potential for a crash. there have.
8
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems
TRANSMISSION
4 complaints- • Mazda Miata model years 2022-2024 with manual 6sp transmission are experiencing a large number of failures at low mileage. Some owners are reporting 2 failed transmissions at less than 10,000 miles. 3rd and 4th great become unusable without warning, increasing the potential for a crash. There have
- • The manual transmission has a synchronizer failure. Safety was put at risk due to inability to safely complete a gear change reliably. The problem has been reported to the dealer and the transmission has been replaced once and is scheduled to go in 9/23/24 for a possible second transmission replac
- • My vehicle has only 8700 miles. At around 2500 miles first gear refused to engage, and I had to start the car in second for a week. That week I scheduled for service but the problem was not reproducible, since then it has been intermittent by never prolonged like that full week. This is and was a s
“Mazda Miata model years 2022-2024 with manual 6sp transmission are experiencing a large number of failures at low mileage. Some owners are reporting 2 failed transmissions at less than 10,000 miles. 3rd and 4th great become unusable without warning, increasing the potential for a crash. There have”
— NHTSA complaint filing
OTHER
1 complaints- • Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant disru
“Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant disru”
— NHTSA complaint filing
SEATS/RESTRAINTS
1 complaints- • Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant disru
“Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant disru”
— NHTSA complaint filing
AIR BAGS
1 complaints- • On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving the vehicle and at low speed (30 mph or under) lost control of the vehicle in a turn. The vehicle hit a telephone pole that was rotted from termite infestation which shattered into three pieces (one piece landing on the cars windshield frame and driver roll bar hoo
“On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving the vehicle and at low speed (30 mph or under) lost control of the vehicle in a turn. The vehicle hit a telephone pole that was rotted from termite infestation which shattered into three pieces (one piece landing on the cars windshield frame and driver roll bar hoo”
— NHTSA complaint filing
STEERING
1 complaints- • Steering feels sticky at higher speeds, once the vehicle is at full operating temp. The steering requires some pressure to “break free” from whatever position it is in. If I’m continually moving the wheel, it steers normally. However, if I’m driving straight and need to initiate a turn or make minor
“Steering feels sticky at higher speeds, once the vehicle is at full operating temp. The steering requires some pressure to “break free” from whatever position it is in. If I’m continually moving the wheel, it steers normally. However, if I’m driving straight and need to initiate a turn or make minor”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: Mazda Miata model years 2022-2024 with manual 6sp transmission are experiencing a large number of failures at low mileage. Some owners are reporting 2 failed transmissions at less than 10,000 miles. 3rd and 4th great become unusable without warning, increasing the potential for a crash. There have
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant disru
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant disru
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving the vehicle and at low speed (30 mph or under) lost control of the vehicle in a turn. The vehicle hit a telephone pole that was rotted from termite infestation which shattered into three pieces (one piece landing on the cars windshield frame and driver roll bar hoo
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mazda MX-5 — Year Comparison
How does 2023 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 1
- Segment avg
- 80
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2023 Mazda MX-5